What does it really take to become a national champion in track and field? For BYU's Ashton Riner-Lunt, it involves growing up on a farm in eastern Washington, having her father as her motivator and coach, and experiencing a surge of anger and intensity just before throwing. She recounts her journey to becoming the NCAA javelin national champion, including how she recovered from Tommy John surgery, and how adrenaline propels her throws.

Heather Gneiting didn't expect her senior season on BYU's volleyball team to unfold in the way it did. It all began with an incident where a fan was accused of shouting racial slurs during a match against Duke University, followed by death threats directed to her coach. Despite these challenges, Gneiting and her teammates have persevered. She also elaborates on her decision to put volleyball on hold and serve a mission Gneiting also details why she stopped playing volleyball to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and her hopes of playing professionally once her college career is complete.

Amber Whiting's path to becoming BYU's newest head coach for women's basketball has been an unexpected one. Whiting made the decision to step away from college basketball to prioritize her family, supporting her husband as he played professional basketball in Italy for 12 years. However, her passion for the game never waned. In this episode, discover how Amber transitioned from being a basketball player's wife, to assuming the role of BYU's big boss on the hardwood.

Laveni and Daviana Vaka, twin sisters on the BYU women's soccer team, are very close. But the duo didn't want to play with each other once they left high school. So how did they end up in Provo? You'll find out in this week's podcast. You'll also hear what it's like playing for Tonga's national team and overcoming potentially debilitating performance anxiety.

What is it like to play with not one but two siblings on the same team? We get answers from sisters Morgan Clinger, Whitney Bower, and Eden Bower from the BYU volleyball team. They learned the sport early from their mother, Caroline Bower, who also played volleyball for the Cougars. They've also gained knowledge and understanding from each other during their triumphs and trials.

In our first ever episode of Her Y, we are joined by former BYU women's soccer captain Natalie Wels. She recounts her journey from Utah women's soccer stardom to missionary service for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and back again. After a sledding accident in 2020, she nearly quit soccer for good. Listen now to hear why!

Her Y is where we celebrate the women who make BYU Sports great. By sharing their stories of faith, perseverance, and success, we can all seek to be better. Their “why” to sports and life can help us find our “why”.